The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-12-16
OUR BONDAGE.

OUR BONDAGE.
wonder how many women 60 back in
thought, as | do at this weary hour, to
the time when they first lost their liberty !?
ought to be thankful, doubtless, for mine
lasted longer than that of most. During
sixteen blessed years had feet uncramped,
limbs unfettercd, trunk unbandaged, hair
UNFINISHED, and, largely as consequence,
spirit blithe as singing skylark. Living
in the country, and in much isolation, my
dear mother permitted her daughters the
almost unexampled bliss Of freedom in both
body and mind. There was no hill too high
to climb, and no tree, for that matter; no
valley too deep to explore, no brook too
wet 10 wade. Outdoor air, simple food,
eight hours to sleep in every twenty four
all these beautitudes were ours.
But there came a day--alas. the dark
day Of my youth-on which was as liter
ally caught out of the fields and pastures
| as was ever young colt; confronted by a
| long dress that had been made for me, cor
sets and high heeled shoes that had been
| bought, hair-pins and ribbons for my stray.
| ing locks and | was told that it simply
wouldn't answer" to ''run wild" another
day. Company from the city was expect
ed; l must be made presentable; I chad
got to look like other folks"
That was long time ago, but have
never known single physically reasonable
day since that sweet May morning, when
cried in vain for longer lease Of liberty.
| Those "adornments'-th inquistion of
fashion-changed my outlook on the world.
A Gagged bird became my fitting emblem.
OF shy, sensitive nature, yielded at
once to the inevitable. But my high heels
threw me ont of poise, and | wouldn't try
to walk more than was necessary in the
clinging folds of that long, tight-ftting
| gown. Hence ceased to be denizen OF
Gods beautiful outdoors; was a rambler
and climber no more, but gave myself to
books, and have remained in my cage-the
house-right on through the years. After
nv long days work with the pen, | say to
myself so often, eff could put on hat,
button coat around me, and step off free
ly, how delightful a walk would be. y
But no; there are intricate prelimiDaries
before a woman can do anything SO simple
as take constitutional. In my own case,
the easy wrapper that wear at my work,
with its long heavy skirt, must be changed
for stretches; the slippers for shoes to
be buttoned up; bonnet. affording nc
protection from light, wind, or observation
must be ''tastefully" put on; tight-fitting
gloves drawn to their places, and then only,
with skirts TO be lifted at every step until
ones knees grow weary, the airing may
begin. 4 man would have two things
to do-put on his coat and crowd his hal
over his eyes; woman has three articles
to take off wrapper and slippers, dress tc
draw on, collar and cuffs to adjust and pin,
shoes to button, wrap to fasten, bonnet te
tie. and then all of their burdens and con-
strictions to endure.
So. for the thousandtl time, l return tc
my room, actually too tired to s'get ready, .
and then ''get over the ground, though
Lake Mchigan's splendid expanse stretch
es away to the east, and there are lovely
groves. cool, shady hooks, and tempting
by-ways all about me. Much | muse why
these things are, and clearer grows the
conviction that woman will never be a IA
tional citizen of the world while thest
things are. recognize joyfully the pro
gross we have made since was a SUDDEN
at Milwaukee, in 1857, when no girl was
really stylish" who wore less than eigh
| white skirts trailing on the ground afte
her; but how slowly we move when wo
men of refinement will wear bustles, lacs
themselves as of old. pinch hands and feet
bare their heads to the blast that tliei
tufts of bonnets may be like the rest,
and shipper their criticisms on ''dress re
FORM Near me on the walls of my stud
hang Annie Jenness Miller's picture ant
engravings of her new costumes. lool
up at them with prayerful heart, saying
GLOW long, o Lord, how longs"
Instead of the walk would like to take
had the old-time conditions-the modest
simple, short dress, loose jacket, ant
broad-brimmed hat Of auld lang-syne-
pen this jeremiade, and bid God-speed t
the earnest hearted woman who, in roaring
Gotham, plans for us women a costum
that hints at better days.-Ffanees E. VA
| lard